Conflict Minerals EU: Conclusion of trilogues planned for first half of 2016

The Netherlands have announced that during their 6-month-presidency of the EU Council, the Conflict Minerals regulation will be a main topic on the European trade agenda.

The recently released “Programme of the Netherlands Presidency of the Council of the European Union – 1 January – 30 June 2016” emphasizes that “in terms of legislative matters, the Netherlands will work to arrive at a Council position on the European Commission proposal for a regulation aimed at promoting lawful, responsible trade in minerals from conflict and high-risk areas”. Subsequently, the Netherlands will “launch trilogue talks between the Council, the Commission and the European Parliament.”